Has anyone else noticed that you can't really see the speedometer of the 4th gen speedometer. My parents have one, and when my mom drives it, she complains that she can't see how fast she's going. Is there anything out there that makes it easier to see the speedo, such as a light or a different face?

 

We dont need no stinkin' speedometer!!!

 

Is the steering wheel in the way or are you talking about how dim the speedo is? I'm pretty sure you know how to brighten up the speedo light. Other than that, I dunno, it looks fine to me

But then again, I really don't pay attention to that thing though

 

Talk to your dealer. There is a TSB for the 2003 Gauge Visibility complaint.

 

I can see mine fine, so dunno.

I used to not look at it, till these strange people with lights on the roof kept pulling me over and handing me pieces of paper I first thought it was just Ford owners trying to find out where to buy 'n nice SUV like mine, but then I got told they are called CHP and I have to go to Traffic School :cry:

 

Yeah,

It permanently illuminates the guage which can then appear a little too bright sometimes.

David

 

I have the same problem. Toyota knows there is a problem because they have issued a TSB for it in June 2003. (EL010-03, 2003-06-20, ELECTRICAL GAUGE VISIBILITY IMPROVEMENT) All it does is permanently turn on the dashboard lighting without turning on parking or headlights, but the A/T shifter lights will be dimmer. You can do the same by turning on the headlights. Driving with just parking lights is illegal in most states. Turning up the intensity does not help as the dash lighting is amber and does not contrast enough in daylight.
The problem is due to the fact that the gauges are set too deep and the numbers are not contrasting enough with the background. It all depends on the sun angle. The problem gets worse with sunglasses.
The only solution is to file complaints at:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Tom

 

I thought that TSB was for the radio and hvac panels being hard to read in high sunlight conditions. I've never had a problem seeing the main cluster gauges.

 

Thanks, I'll check with the dealer.

 

Maybe the needle is by the 80-90 number.! :beach:

 

ya know, now that I look, it is!....wow, thanks